Is haze bad for dogs and cats? A Singapore guide

A friendly note first: this is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think your pet is in danger, please call a vet straight away. Vets would always rather hear from you early.

Is haze bad for dogs and cats? It can be. Haze is smoke, and pets breathe it at nose height without being able to tell you a walk feels wrong. NEA posts the 24-hour PSI and the one-hour PM2.5 reading on haze.gov.sg. NEA describes a 24-hour PSI of 101 to 200 as Unhealthy, 201 to 300 as Very Unhealthy, and above 300 as Hazardous. A one-hour PM2.5 reading of 56 or more is Elevated. On those days, we suggest keeping outdoor time short.

Simple changes on a hazy day

• Keep walks to a short toilet break, at whatever time the reading is lowest. The park connector loop can wait.
• Close the windows and run the air-conditioner or an air purifier if you have one. A fan only moves the same air around.
• Wipe paws and coats when you come in, so ash is not licked off later.
• Put out water in more than one spot. Some pets drink less when they feel off.
• Skip incense, mosquito coils and essential oils “to cover the smell”. They add more irritants to the air.

Pets that feel haze sooner

Flat-faced dogs (pugs, French bulldogs, Shih Tzus and similar breeds), very young and senior pets, and any pet with a heart or airway condition tend to struggle first. Birds are especially sensitive, so bring them in from the balcony. If you share your home with one of these pets, it helps to decide your cut-off reading with your vet before the PSI climbs.

Please call a vet the same day for laboured breathing, blue or pale gums, a new cough, or collapse. Those signs need attention even if the haze is expected to clear. Our emergency page lists 24-hour hospitals.